January 30, 2023 | Concord, NC – The North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs (NCAFC) proudly announces its receipt of a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Recruitment and Retention grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) in the amount of $839,380 over two years to support firefighter recruitment and retention. The NCAFC is partnering with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to assist communities in achieving a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighting workforce across North Carolina.
Through the grant, a statewide volunteer firefighter outreach campaign will be implemented, including social media, radio ads, recruitment videos, and an updated statewide campaign website. In addition, fifteen departments and/or county fire associations will be selected to receive tailored assistance, such as customized recruitment materials, a new technology-based toolkit created to capture necessary recruitment and retention data, and more. IAFC will be attending the NCAFC mid-Winter Conference February 2 – 3 in Concord, NC to promote the grant-funded recruitment and retention efforts, including a live demo of the new technology-based toolkit in booth 27.
During the first quarter of 2023, the application period will open for interested fire departments to apply for customized recruitment and retention support. To help improve volunteer firefighter retention, online training and in-person leadership workshops will be conducted throughout North Carolina and open to all departments to participate.
Being a volunteer is a rewarding experience and one of the best ways someone can make a difference in the community. The skills and experience gained as a volunteer firefighter are invaluable and have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others. Local fire departments need volunteers of all skill levels and abilities who are willing and able to respond to emergencies when needed.
For information about the NCAFC, visit ncafc.com. For more information about the IAFC’s recruitment and retention efforts, visit iafc.org/WorkforceSolutions
